Steele Creek center to give away a new smile

Someone is going to have a reason to smile, thanks to an oral surgeon program.

Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery is giving someone dental implants. A local resident will receive services to repair teeth with implants to create new, fully functional and natural-looking teeth.

“The Second Chance program welcomes applicants who are in need of full-arch restorations, but who otherwise couldn’t afford it,” said Mackenzie May, community development coordinator with the surgery center.

The company has two offices, one near Carowinds Boulevard in Steele Creek and the other in Pineville, N.C. Applications are being accepted through Feb. 15.

Drs. Amir Marashi and Hani Mahgoub are offering the free services and say complications from poor oral health can include cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections and diabetic complications.

“We want to provide hope to our community and help our members overcome their daily battles due to their poor oral health,” Marashi said.

The doctors are partnering with Dr. R. Bruce Miller of Charlotte Prosthodontics. Services provided will be the latest advancements for people missing or losing teeth, or who have been told they will need dentures. They describe the technique as a “secure and lasting solution” with the look and feel of natural teeth. Patients can eat their favorite foods and not have cleaning and other issues related to dentures.

“We feel blessed to be able to provide such an amazing opportunity and are excited to change someone’s life, starting with something as simple, yet vital, as a smile,” Marashi said.

Depending on the applicant selected, other services like physical fitness, nutrition, career counseling or therapy may be included.

Online applications for Second Chance are available at greatercharlotteoralsurgery.com/secondchance. To donate services or become part of the program visit greatercharlotteoralsurgery.com/donate.

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Steele Creek center to give away a new smile."